Manny Machado's free-agency tour is headed to the Bronx.
Machado and the Yankees are reportedly scheduled to meet on Wednesday in New York, according to George A. King III of the New York Post.
The shortstop is visiting four teams interested in signing him. In addition to New York, he's scheduled to visit the Phillies in Philadelphia sometime this week and will also reportedly sit down with the Chicago White Sox. The identity of the fourth team remains unknown.
General manager Brian Cashman revealed during the winter meetings that he's had some conversations with the All-Star infielder's agent, Dan Lozano, though Wednesday's sit-down may be the first time Machado and the Yankees' front office meet face to face.
During the winter meetings, The Athletic's Jim Bowden told CBS Sports that the Yankees are apparently Machado's first choice.
However, some obstacles remain. The Yankees did not take kindly to Machado's playoff comments about not hustling, and owner Hal Steinbrenner publicly demanded an explanation from the superstar (which Machado gave last month). In addition, a report last week suggested the Yankees may not be inclined to give Machado the $300-million deal he's thought to be seeking.
The 26-year-old is coming off a season in which he hit .297/.367/.538 with 37 homers, 107 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases over 162 total games with the Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers.
